The Baltimore Sun reported on June 24 that Mark Vogel, who owned both Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington and Ocean Downs Racetrack in Berlin in the 1980s, is in negotiations with Cloverleaf Enterprises, current owner of Rosecroft, to buy back the harness track. The Gazette then printed on June 26 that Vogal “hopes to resume live harness racing” at the track and is also interested in making a bit for slots.

Since Rosecroft was not on the original list of proposed slot locations that Marylanders voted on November 4, 2008, a new statewide referendum would be needed. Local officials told The Gazette that they are not in favor of slots at the track.

The article goes on to say that Vogel expects to take ownership of the track by September and will need the Maryland Racing Commission’s approval before resuming live racing. He will also need to resolve the relationship between Rosecroft and the commission in terms of simulcasting Thoroughbred racing.

To read more about this issue and about Rosecroft, Cloverleaf and the Maryland Racing Commission, see the July issue of The Equiery, now in stores, or order a free copy by clicking here.